Statement

Weir launches Parcel Collection for our Troops

Posted on: November 2, 2009

The North Down DUP MLA has announced that his office will be used as drop-off points for an initiative sending parcels to soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The parcels will then be collected by the Glentoran Trust and shipped to Afghanistan for our troops serving in that country. Speaking today, Councillor Weir said:

“People in North Down have huge admiration for our troops and the excellent job they are doing. The Armed Forces Homecoming parade showed that: with huge numbers of my constituents travelling into the centre of Belfast to pay their tribute to the soldiers returning home from tours of duty in Afghanistan. This scheme gives people another chance to show their dedication and appreciation of our troops and the great job they are doing. I hope that people will support this positive programme.

When I was approached by the Glentoran Trust regarding this scheme, I was delighted to offer my wholehearted support. Our troops served with distinction in Northern Ireland helping the forces of law and order to put down the threat of terrorism. Now they are engaged in helping the people of Afghanistan complete the transition to a fully functioning democracy. Our troops deserve our support and this is a good way for local people to show it.

The people of North Down will be able to support this scheme and support out troops by dropping off the presents to my office, 94 Abbey Street, Bangor. I would urge people to remember to keep the presents small and non-perishable, the more variety the better it is for the service personnel receiving the presents. For further information people can call my office on 91454500 or look at the Glentoran Community Trust website www.gctni.com.”